Primary Times West Midlands Whitsun Issue

for parents, teachers and children

In the Midlands and Black Country

WHITSUN 2014 ISSUE

Make a difference Become a foster carer and help shape a young person’s future. fosteringbirmingham.com 0121 303 7575 DOWNLOAD THE NEW PRIMARY TIMES APP! DETAILS INSIDE BCC-Fost-205x190-PrimaryTimes-AW.indd 1

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hanging around

Start your adventure with the National Trust in Warwickshire • Baddesley Clinton • Charlecote Park • Coughton Court • Packwood House • Upton House and Gardens Have you seen our list of 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾? From blowing grass trumpets to finding pond beasties, it’s packed with fun stuff you can try at National Trust places in Warwickshire. How many can you tick off this half-term?

Join in the adventure at nationaltrust.org.uk/midlands50things

© The National Trust 2014. Registered Charity No. 205846.

Image courtesy of NTPL/Megan Taylor

Those few short weeks since the last school holiday have certainly flown by! But don’t worry, we’ve found plenty to do this Whitsun Half Term.

The days are getting a little brighter, so why not head outdoors with all the family. There are some great museum and galleries to enjoy too, if it’s indoor fun you’re after. Check out the Roundabout and Theatre pages for ideas on where to go and what to see.

Fostering p4

This issue we’re turning the spotlight on Foster Care Fortnight 2014 and invite you to “Guess Who Fosters”.

We’ve picked out the best reads for the start of the summer term and there’s a look at the latest DVD and Movie releases.

Don’t forget our Competitions page of course, there are some great prizes up for grabs..

Have a great Half-Term.

i m a K

Pinboard p6

Theatre p10

Times Team and the Primary

Contents

Welcome!

Roundabout p12 Be the first to read Primary Times! Our free app is available for both Android and iOS

Don’t forget to check the website for more Primary Times news, lists and reviews at www.primarytimes.net/midlands/

Bookworm p17

*

Kids go FREE for the School Holidays.

Primary Times in the West Midlands and the Black Country Publisher: Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New Street, Birmingham B2 4EU T: 0121 631 6101 F: 0121 336 1936 Managing Director: Andrew Riley Editorial: Kami Anderson Advertising Dept: 0121 631 6101 Sales: sales@publishingink.co.uk Design: Damian Bennett, Mike Raven You can now follow us on Twitter and Facebook! @PrimaryTimesMid Primary Times Midlands and The Black Country

Primary Times West Midlands and The Black Country is independently published and distributed free through primary schools in The West Midlands and The Black Country. It is also available by subscription at £10 per year. It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically-based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or the relevant contributor.

We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible.

Primary Times is currently publishing over 2 million copies per issue under franchise licences throughout Britain. Primary Times in The West Midlands and The Black Country is operated under franchise licence.

Disclaimer: All reasonable efforts have been taken to give accurate information and any facts given are true to the best of our knowledge. However, you should rely wholly on your own enquiries and take advice where appropriate. Information is correct at time of going to press.

www.primarytimes.net

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WHITSUN 2014 ISSUE

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Change Lives - Foster Care Fortnight 2014

Thinking of Fostering?

Local Children Need YOU! Could you foster a child? Primary Times is supporting a national campaign to encourage more people to consider fostering, as Foster Care Fortnight is launched nationally on Monday 12 May.

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We need to bust the myths about this being a monumental and impossible task WHITSUN 2014 ISSUE

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www.primarytimes.net

Foster Care Fortnight is an annual campaign to raise awareness of fostering and promote the urgent need to recruit more foster carers. The number of children who need foster carers continues to rise.

On any one day there are more than 62,000 children living with foster families across the UK. The Fostering Network, a national organisation promoting foster care, estimates that a further 8,600 foster carers are needed this year alone to provide supportive, stable and caring homes for these vulnerable children.

Across the UK, every 22 minutes a child comes into care and needs a foster family.

There are many reasons why children and young people are unable to live with their birth families. For many this is only a short term issue and they do return home once a period of crisis has been resolved. Those who are unable to return home are placed with long term foster carers or are adopted.

What does a foster carer look like? They may well have incredible communication, support and advocacy skills but more often than not, they’re everyday people from all walks of life.

You don’t need to own your own home to foster, though you will need a spare bedroom if you are fostering a child aged two or above.

Marital status is not a barrier to fostering.

Foster carers may be single, married, in a civil partnership or living with a partner. Having your own child is not a requirement either. You may be good with children thanks to working with them, through your family and friends, or volunteering.

A key message of the campaign is that fostering is open to couples who are married or unmarried, same sex couples, single people, those with or without children of their own, employed or on benefits. There is a lower age limit of 18, but no upper age limit for fostering.

But what does it take to be a foster carer?

What skills and qualities are fostering services looking for in those who enquire so they can be assessed, trained and supported to foster some of the most vulnerable children in their area? This year’s theme for Foster Care Fortnight 2014 helps answer these questions

www.primarytimes.net

and more by inviting members of the public to ‘Guess Who Fosters?’

families say that they want to make a difference in a child’s life.

By turning the spotlight on current foster carers, councils nationwide will be showcasing and celebrating their expertise, and helping to attract new people to come forward and enquire about being a foster carer in their area. Fostering services are particularly lacking and needing to focus their efforts on recruiting carers who can look after older children; children with additional needs and disabilities; and sibling groups.

Many people have made major life changes and career adjustments to become foster carers in their city. In Birmingham, one lorry driver, who also managed a haulage company, gave up working to become a foster carer. Another carer works as a Director at the Chamber of Commerce in addition to fostering. If you become an approved foster carer, a variety of practical and financial support will be made available to you.

Lynette Adjei, from Birmingham Adoption and Fostering service, said: “People are keen to look after babies and young children but we find it difficult to recruit carers for older children and teenagers who are just as vulnerable and in need for stability and security.”

Why foster a child? Some families have thought about fostering for many years before making the step and contacting their local fostering service. Some are already parents and see no reason why they couldn’t be role models for foster children. Many families say they wish to give something back to their community.

The reasons why people decide to foster are varied but there is one main one, foster

What help do foster carers receive? The government want to ensure that all carers get the right support to undertake the fostering task. All approved foster carers receive full training and ongoing support from assigned social workers, as well as fees and allowances to cover costs, tax relief and help getting a state pension. They are also entitled to a grant towards IT equipment.

The allowance is paid every 28 days which covers the daily cost of caring for a child, and foster carers are free to spend food, household and travel allowances as they feel benefits the child most. In addition to maintenance allowances, and in some placements that are particularly challenging, an additional fee may be paid in acknowledgement of the greater time and effort being needed to care for and support these children.

Hopefully, as a result of the improvements made within the fostering system, those families who might have thought it would be difficult financially to foster will think again and take the next steps to become foster carers.

Foster Care Fortnight 2014 takes place from Monday 12th to Sunday 25th May. The Fostering Network’s guide to getting involved contains some ideas for how you can make the most of this year’s theme both on and offline.

The twitter hashtag for this year’s campaign is #guesswhofosters, so be sure to include this in your tweets to be part of the national campaign. Contact your local fostering service to find out more about campaigns and events in your area, or visit www.fostering.net

WHITSUN 2014 ISSUE

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PINBOARD Farm to Fork comes to UK Classrooms

Foster Care Fortnight 12-25 May 2014: The UK’s Biggest Foster Carer Recruitment Campaign

The Eat Happy Project is an initiative set up to educate children about food and where it comes from. Tesco’s Food to Fork trails are being streamed online to primary school classrooms all over the UK. Children will be transported to pasta producers in Naples, the banana crops of Costa Rica and the cheese creamery in the Yorkshire Dales.

Farm to Fork trails and online field trips are open to every primary school in the UK. Schools can find out more, register their school and book a trail now at www.eathappyproject.com

The national theme for Foster Care Fortnight 2014 is ‘Guess Who Fosters?’ Could you give a child a loving home?

With a shortage of 10,000 foster carers across the UK, more foster carers are needed to provide children with safe and caring homes while they are unable to live with their own families.

Birmingham is in urgent need of foster carers for: older children, who are very vulnerable and in need of stability and security; children with additional needs and disabilities varying from the very mild to the more severe; and sibling groups, since approximately half of the children waiting are in sibling groups and the local authority try their hardest to keep them together.

The Birmingham adoption and fostering recruitment team will be launching the Birmingham campaign at 10.30am on Monday 12th May at the Brainbox in the Library of Birmingham and will then be staffing an Information Stand in the Rotunda of the Library over the course of a week (14 – 21 May). They will have an information stand at the Children’s Hospital on 20th May to target staff with medical and specialist care knowledge and moving into June will have additional stands targeting special needs teachers, TA’s, etc.

Visit: www.fosteringbirmingham.com for more details

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WHITSUN 2014 ISSUE

Finalist 2012

Penguin Week: Celebrate Penguins this May Half Term with a visit to Birdland Park & Gardens

It’s Penguin Week at Bourton-on-the-Water’s Birdland for May Half Term from 24th May – 1st June.

Penguin fans will be able to put their knowledge to the test with a fun quiz and enjoy special talks about the ‘waddle of penguins’ which includes the only King Penguins on display in England and also a comical gang of Humboldts.

Feeding displays will take place every day at 11am and 2.30 and there will be a chance to win an opportunity to step inside Penguin Shore and help the head-keeper feed the residents. There will also be specialist talks each day so kids may even become a perch for a parrot or a landing pad for an owl. Climb inside the tortoise pen or come face to face with a snake at the meet the keeper session. Close encounters for all the family every day!

Visit: www.birdland.co.uk or Tel: 01451 820480 for more details

Get Set For A Roman Half Term In Coventry!

Kids can get Roman-tastic this May half term at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in Coventry (from 17 May). The museum is playing host to the stunning Roman Empire: Power & People exhibition from the British Museum, and throughout the school holidays is offering a wide range of Romanthemed activities for kids.

From making Roman shields and helmets, to fun marching drills lead by a Roman soldier, by the end of the week children will be equipped to become a true rampaging Roman!

Visit www.theherbert.org for more information.

‘Think Rabbit’ this May with your local vet practice

For those families simply bonkers for bunny rabbits, or who think guinea pigs are just the greatest, Supreme Petfoods wants to celebrate all things rabbit and guinea pig with them! This May is ‘Think Rabbit+’ Month with vet practices across the UK getting involved to help promote the best rabbit and guinea pig health care for all those loveable small family pets.

Hop on over to your local participating vet practice and pick up a free goody bag, check out the posters in the waiting room and see if their practice holds the ‘Small Furry Promise’ certificate. Participating vet practices will also be offering discounts on rabbit vaccination programs and dental checks to make sure they provide the best care and advice to owners. Go to www.facebook.com/supremepetfoods for more details. www.primarytimes.net

A fun way to learn about food Bring your class along to dig up spuds or milk some cows, or pop into your local store to bake some bread. Farm to Fork Trails are free, curriculum based and we’ll even help with transport costs. Our early Trails have gone down really well with primary schools around the country. We want to do loads more and we’d love you to get involved.

Sign up your class at www.eathappyproject.com

Supplier and store activities vary depending upon location. Choose a location at www.eathappyproject.com. Transport subsidy applies to non-fee paying schools only. Please talk to your Trail Guide for more information.

TSC74N14079 Farm To Fork SP_272x190_PrimaryTimes.indd 1

30/04/2014 13:02

MIDLANDS AIR AMBULANCE CHARITY IS TOP OF THE CLASS! The Midland Air Ambulance Charity carries out vital work across the communities of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands. This constitutes the largest air ambulance operating region in the UK. If a patient reaches hospital within 60 minutes of injury (referred to as the ‘Golden Hour’) their chances of survival are dramatically increased. That is why the rapid response of the Midlands Air Ambulance is so vital in an emergency situation.

What is not widely known is that Midlands Air Ambulance Charity receives no Government or National Lottery funding. A staggering £6.5 million is needed each year to keep its three air ambulances operational which is donated entirely by the public and local businesses.

The team at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity also work closely with schools across the region, helping to educate children about the importance of staying safe. The charity is currently developing a curriculum-based work pack to share with teachers to promote the work of the life saving service.

Jason Levy, fundraising and marketing director for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, explains the initiative: “We carry out up to eight life saving air ambulance missions each day and on average airlift a child every four days, often in a life or death situation. Naturally we’re very keen to raise awareness of our service with a younger audience, and help school children learn about how to stay safe. This is why we are currently developing a learning based work pack for schools, named High Flyers, which we aim to launch in the new school year in September 2014.”

The ‘High Flyers’ education pack is being produced alongside teachers at Small Heath School in Birmingham and will give children at all Key Stages vital skills in various subjects including maths, English, geography, science, technology and business. Each of the modules will use areas of the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity to provide practical learning examples, meaning classwork is not only fun, but also provides some relevancy to the real world.

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Jason adds: “As well as being educational, we believe the High Flyers pack will also provide school pupils with a number of fun, yet important life skills to help them enter the real world. We’ve been extremely privileged to have support from Small Heath School in the development of the High Flyers programme as their expertise has been invaluable.

“Any schools or parents interested in finding out more about High Flyers are being encouraged to visit our website for further details. In addition, we have a state of the art Education, Training and Visitors Centre at our Strensham airbase in Worcestershire, which is available to schools as part of their off-site learning and development programmes, so do get in touch to find out more.”

For more information about the 'High Flyers' campaign, or if you would like to raise funds, make a donation, or learn more about the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, please visit www.midlandsairambulance. com or call 0800 8 40 20 40. www.primarytimes.net

Theatre Around the Midlands and Black Country THE BIRMINGHAM REP BOX OFFICE: 0121 236 4455 Broad Street, Birmingham www.birmingham-rep.co.uk

this tale by Julia Donaldson will enchant family audiences – including those with a learning disabled child. Not to be missed!

Tickets: Adult £9.95, Child £6.95

SAT 24 MAY

RAPUNZEL

ROLL UP! ROLL UP!

As he works sweeping up at Zelda’s Circus, Bim dreams of performing in the big top, but never gets a chance to walk the tightrope or try on the costumes. As Bim shows you all the strange and wonderful things inside the circus, will he find his special talent and make his dream come true?

Tickets: Adults £7.50, Children £4.50 Wed 28 – Sat 31 May

CHARLIE AND LOLA’S EXTREMELY NEW PLAY

Charlie and Lola are completely excited to be back on stage with their Extremely New Play – and this time they’re bringing along Sizzles the Dog! Discover what happens when Lola and her best friend Lotta promise to look after Sizzles. And follow Charlie and his best friend Marv on a Pirate Squidbones adventure!

Playful, funny and full of surprises, this extremely new play about friendship and adventures is a treat for everyone. This magical mix of puppets, live action and music is based on the much loved books by Lauren Child and the ever popular BBC series.

Tickets: Adults £12.50 Children £10.50.

WARWICK ARTS CENTRE Box Office: 024 7652 4524 Gibbett Hill Road, Coventry www.warwickartscentre.co.uk SAT 24 MAY

ROCK POOL

When a big storm whips up the sea, two very different creatures are left stranded in an isolated rock pool, far from the open water. As their little pool starts to drain away, Prawn and Crab don’t have long to find a way of getting on and getting home.

Tickets: Adult £9.95, Child £6.95 SUN 25 MAY

JACK AND THE FLUMFLUM TREE

Grandma has the moozles, so Jack sets off to find the cure. He builds a boat and crosses oceans, tricks monkeys and, with the help of grandma’s mysterious sack, overcomes all.

With engaging puppetry, beautiful songs and Bamboozle’s trademark multi-sensory style 10

WHITSUN 2014 ISSUE

THU 29- SAT 31 MAY

A new take on the classic fairytale, balletLORENT’s Rapunzel is as much for adults as it is for children. The story of the parents forced to give up their child, the Witch who takes her from them, the woman the child becomes, and the Prince who discovers and rescues her. Full of dark beauty, this must-see production brings together a collection of world-class collaborators; Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, Doctor Who composer Murray Gold, and Michele Clapton, award winning Costume Designer for Game of Thrones.

Tickets: Adult £16, Child £10 TUE 3 JUN

THE ENERGY SHOW

Science Museum Live presents The Energy Show: explosive family theatre for curious minds. Methane bubbles are set alight to make fireballs, hydrogen balloons explode and rockets are fired into the audience. Stand back and cover your ears – theatre just got dangerously exciting! Two futuristic science students race against time to prove their knowledge of energy. With help from the incredible virtual labassistant, i-nstein, and a steampunk workshop full of gadgets and chemicals, they explore, experiment and explode anything and everything they can find, live on stage.

Tickets: £12.50

SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX Box Office: 0121 704 6962 Central Library,Solihull

www.solihull.gov.uk/artscomplex Tue 27 May

THE LITTLE MERMAID

Ballet Theatre UK’s charming and poignant ballet explores the nature of longing, and how making choices have lasting consequences.

Glittering costumes and expressive dancers are a joy to watch in this classic re-telling of a beautiful late of the mermaid who falls in love with a prince.

Tickets: Adult £17.50, Child £12.50 Fri 30 May

OLD MACDONALD HAD A FARM

“Old Mac-Don-ald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O” ...but Old MacDonald’s animals have gone missing! Can you help a friendly scientist and his amazing time machine get them back for him? Presented by the team behind There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly and written especially for parents to enjoy with their

children, this fun-filled farmyard tale brings to life all the best-loved characters from the original nursery rhyme along with a magical medley of games, giggles and sing-along songs including Heads, Shoulders Knees and Toes, She’ll Be Coming Round The Mountain and of course, Old MacDonald Had A Farm.

Tickets: £8

BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY HALL

Box Office: 0121 345 0600 Broad St, Birmingham. B1 2EA www.thsh.co.uk Fri 30 May

KIDS GIGS

Supersonic Kids Gigs, big sounds for little people, are a fantastic introduction to experimental music for children and their families. See special guest Sarah Kenchington perform on her semi-mechanical pedal powered orchestra, followed by a chance to have a dance! FREE entry.

NEW ALEXANDRA THEATRE Box Office: 0845 127 2190 Station St, Birmingham. www.atgtickets.com Wed 4- Thu 5 & Sat 7 Jun

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

Propeller’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream has enchanted packed houses all over the world.

In Shakespeare’s most magical play, love and illusion collide when two pairs of lovers become entangled in fairy mischief on the eve of a royal wedding. Dreams and reality become interchangeable and romantic chaos ensues.

Seeing really is believing!

Tickets: £13.90 - 32.90

TOWN HALL BIRMINGHAM Box Office: 0121 345 0600 Broad St, Birmingham. B1 2EA www.thsh.co.uk Wed 11 - Sun 15 Jun

HORRIBLE HISTORIES: BARMY BRITAIN

It’s time to prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live on stage with a brand new show BARMY BRITAIN with all new amazing 3D effects! Can you beat battling Boudicca? What if a Viking moved in next door? Would you lose your heart or head to horrible Henry? Can evil Elizabeth entertain England? Move to the groove with party Queen Victoria and prepare to do battle in the frightful First World War! It’s the horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in! Tickets: £12 - £16 www.primarytimes.net

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TOWN HALL, BIRMINGHAM 11 - 15 JUNE Box Office 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk

03/04/2014 13:40

ROUNDABOUT THE BEST PICK OF WHAT’S ON WHEN AND WHERE 24 MAY - 1 JUN

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Where: Warwick, 01926 843 411, www.hattonworld.com

BLACK COUNTRY LIVING MUSEUM SWEET AND TREAT

HO

ICE

To tie in with the launch of their sweet-shop boiler, visitors will be able to learn about treats of the past and see demonstrations of traditional sweet making, before trying one or two of the finished product!

Where: Dudley, 0121 557 9643, www.bclm.co.uk 24 MAY - 1 JUN

COVENTRY TRANSPORT MUSEUM TIME TRAVELLING ACTIVITIES 26 - 31 MAY

HERBERT ART GALLERY & MUSEUM MAY HALF TERM ACTIVITIES

Head to the Coventry Transport Museum for a week of time travelling fun including, Back to the Future transport trail and lots of time travelling arts and crafts.

Join in the half term fun at the Herbert, including, Romans on the Rampage; Lunt Roman Fort; The Priory Visitor Centre.

Take aim in the tudor target range, get your marching orders from Romans on the Rampage, and explore the Lunt with all the family.

WAVE MUSEUM & GALLERIES OF WOLVERHAMPTON

Where: Coventry, 02476 237 521, www.theherbert.org 24 MAY - 1 JUN

NATIONAL SPACE CENTRE

The National Space Centre’s mission commanders will be leading the way with loads of added activities. Take a tour of the night sky, see a real life comet being made, build your own comet to take home, and discover the facts of planet Killers and Life Bringers on their ‘Space Now’ stage.

Where: Leicester, 0116 261 0261, www.spacecentre.co.uk 24 MAY - 1 JUN

HATTON ADVENTURE WORLD WONDERFUL WHITSUN An amazing dog agility show. All with a full day’s programme of spring time entertainment including goat racing around the sheep racing track.

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Where: Coventry, 0247 623 4270, www.transport-museum.com

24 MAY - 27 MAY

Animations latest blockbuster. Enter the world of the Pirate Captain and his crew, dress up in pirate finery, steer a galleon and play your part in the new movie using clever blue screen technology.

Where: Birmingham, 0121 202 2222, www.thinktank.ac 24 - 26 MAY

KENILWORTH CASTLE & ELIZABETHAN GARDEN MEDIEVAL MAYHEM! Polish your armour and dust off your tiara - it’s time to become the hero of your own medieval adventure. In the ultimate ‘Show and Tell’ curious history hunters can quiz the assembled Knights, Ladies, Archers and Squires on the truth behind tales of medieval life. What was it really like living in a castle? What does it take to become a champion archer? Which was the worst job in the court? And how often did they take a bath?!

Take inspiration from their stunning displays of everything from archery and combat to courtly dancing, then try your hand at some of the many skills that made up medieval life. Mischief and merriment rule the day as you play the king, knight, princess or fool of the castle.

Where: Kenilworth, Warwickshire. 0870 333 1183, www.english-heritage.org.uk 25 MAY

YOUNG ARTISTS, 24 MAY: Learn new drawing painting and sculpture skills in the ‘Young Artist’ session. You’ll learn how to create your own art using artists’ materials and techniques.

ONCE UPON A TIME, 27 MAY: Head to ‘Once Upon A Time’ for storytelling followed by craft activities SAND POSTCARDS, 27 MAY: Design holiday ‘Sand Postcards’ using brightly coloured sand to colour it in.

You’re sure to find something to inspire at the four WAVE venues. With their family friendly displays and interactives, each venue can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.

Where: Wolverhampton, 01902 552 055, www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk 23 MAY - SEP 2014

THINKTANK BIRMINGHAM SCIENCE MUSEUM THE PIRATES! IN AN ADVENTURE WITH SCIENTISTS A swashbuckling adventure featuring sets and puppets crafted for Aardman

BIRMINGHAM MUSEUMS & ART GALLERY SAREHOLE MILL: FLOAT YOUR BOAT A fun afternoon especially for families with school age children. Drop in from 12.15 to 2.15pm to design and build rafts and boats.

From 2.15pm we’ll sail them and race them in shallow waters in the river cole. Don’t forget to wear your wellies. After the races, the craft room will be available again to make more rafts and boats.

26 - 30 MAY

BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM Join BMAG for a fun, family-friendly week of hands-on history and craft as we celebrate the re-opening of our popular Ancient Egypt gallery. Activities include, Egyptian Crafts; Object Handling; and Mummification Magic.

With three different activities to try each day there is lots to see and do at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery this half term!

Where: Birmingham, 0121 303 2834, www.bmag.org.uk www.primarytimes.net

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NORFOLK HOUSE SCHOOL 4 Norfolk Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3PS Tel: 0121 454 7021 Email: info@norfolkhouseschool.co.uk www.norfolkhouseschool.co.uk

ROUND 24 MAY - 1 JUN

EDGBASTON WATERSPORTS NATIONAL GO CANOEING WEEK In a bid to encourage more people out onto the water, National Go Canoeing Week have set a new challenge. This year’s theme is ‘Every Mile Counts’, join Edgbaston Watersports to see collectively how many miles you can paddle together… one complete lap of the reservoir is over a mile each!

27 - 31 MAY

WHITSUN HOLIDAY SCHEME

Tuition Classes available on Saturdays and in the Summer holidays for 11+ and SATS Preparation Summer School 21st July to 29th August for 5 -11 year olds Please phone or email the school for further information or look on our website.

Norfolk House School is an independent school for children aged between 3 and 11 years

The children never have a dull day at Edgbaston Watersports, climbing, fencing, sailing- they’ll go back to school for a break! The holiday scheme is a multi-activity programme providing fun and safe sessions for children between the ages of 8 and 16.

Where: Birmingham, 0121 454 1997, www.edgbastonwatersports.co.uk JUN 8

LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM THE ADVENTURES OF PRINCE ACHMED One of the very first animated features, this amazing silhouette film is also one of the finest. Made by Lotte Reiniger and a small team of animators using little more than scissors and card, it’s a series of adventures and escapades based loosely on the 1001 Arabian Nights.

Expect flying horses, an army of demons, witches and magicians, princes and princesses - in short, the perfect Sunday afternoon entertainment. The film has been recently spruced up by the BFI for a blu-ray release, and will be screened here with wonderful live piano accompaniment written and performed by Paul Shallcross.

Where: Birmingham, 0121 242 4242, www.birmingham-box.co.uk

PLACES TO VISIT! BIRDLAND PARK & GARDENS The beautiful setting is inhabited by over 500 birds. Flamingos, pelicans, penguins, cranes, storks, cassowary, and waterfowl can be seen on various aspects of the natural water habitat. There are also over 50 aviaries featuring parrots, falcons, pheasants, hornbills, touracos, pigeons, ibis and many more. The Desert House is home to the more delicate species, whilst the indoor Discovery Zone features egg laying creatures including fish, amphibians and reptiles.

Where: Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, 01451 820 480, www. birdland.co.uk

ASH END HOUSE CHILDREN’S FARM Visit Ash End House Children’s Farm with the family, they have daily activities including, Chicks/ducklings in a basket on laps, egg hunting, sitting on a Shetland pony or shire horse! tractor and trailer rides, and birds of prey demonstrations.

Where: Middleton, Staffordshire, 0121 329 3240, www.childrensfarm.co.uk

BADDESLEY CLINTON This atmospheric house dates from the 15th century and was the home of 14

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the Ferrers family for 500 years. The house and interiors reflect its heyday in the Elizabethan era, when it was a haven for persecuted Catholics - there are three priest’s holes. There is a delightful garden with stewponds and a romantic lake and nature walk.

Where: Warwickshire, 01564 783 294, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ baddesley-clinton

DUDLEY ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS Dudley Zoological Gardens is a unique zoo with hundreds of animals set around an 11th Century castle, sited on a 40-acre wooded hillside with a rich geological history.

Where: Dudley, 01384 215 313, www.dudleyzoo.org.uk

NEW

Hatcher

4

DABOUT

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Kids go FREE* PENgUiN WEEK

Sat 24 May – Sun 1 June special Penguin Events for Half Term Plus Penguin Feeds at 11am & 2.30pm Meet exotic and rare birds from around the world. enjoy close encounters, feeding displays and talks.

Indoor Discovery Zone, Hatchery, nature trail.

BIRMINGHAM NATURE CENTRE Whether you’re interested in animal conservation or just having a fun day out with family, Birmingham Nature Centre offers something for everyone.

Come and see the exciting and fun animals.

Where: Birmingham, 0121 472 7775, www.birmingham.gov.uk/ naturecentre

DUDLEY CANAL TRUST Join the Dudley Canal Trust for fun, informative and entertaining excursions.

They run regular guided boat trips throughout the tunnels, accompanied by videos, lifelike reconstructions and stunning music and light shows.

Rissington Road, Bourton-on-the-Water, Glos. GL54 2BN

T: 01451 820480 E: info@birdland.co.uk

www.birdland.co.uk

*Kids go FREE TERMs: Present this advert to receive one free child entry when accompanied by one full paying adult. not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or concession. Valid until 30/6/2014.

Where: Dudley, 0121 557 6265, www.dudleycanaltrust.org.uk

STRATFORD BUTTERFLY FARM Watch hundreds of the world’s most unique and colourful butterfly as they fly around the leafy tropical tropical environment. See their amazing life cycles in the caterpillar room and those brave enough can check out many weird and wonderful creatures up close.

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Where: Stratford-Upon-Avon, 01789 299 288, www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

PACKWOOD HOUSE Packwood House contains a fine collection of 16th-century textiles and furniture, and the gardens have renowned herbaceous borders and a famous collection of yews. Beautiful, homely, warm and welcoming… A house to dream of, a garden to dream in.

Where: Lapworth, Warwickshire, 01564 782 024, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/packwood-house

NEW WALSALL ART GALLERY DISCO: The Family Gallery Disco is a safe place for families to explore art together. You can touch, look, draw, play and create to help you understand the artworks on display. Visit one of their organised family workshops during the school holidays.

Where: Walsall, 01922 654 400, www.thenewgallerywalsall.org.uk

NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM Head to the National Motorcycle Museum, a place where ‘legends live on’.

A great day out where the young and the old can study the development of the motorcycle and learn about the days when British motorcycles ‘ruled the world’.

Where: Solihull, West Midlands, 01675 443 311, www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk

www.primarytimes.net

COMING THIS HALF TERM TO THE NATIONAL SPACE CENTRE Discover comets, asteroids and meteors! Create your own comet to take home, and handle some billion year old meteorites and 65 million year old dinosaur poo!

BOOK NOW TO BEAT THE QUEUES AND UPGRADE TO A FREE ANNUAL PASS! WWW.SPACECENTRE.CO.UK WHITSUN 2014 ISSUE

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E D G B A S TO N HIGH SCHOOL for GIRLS

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BOOKZONE

Our pick of the latest must-haves for your bookshelf and e-readers

Sorry Dad! By Maxine Lee

Little Tiger Press, £5.99 | 3-5 This delightful picture book follows a day in the life of a cheeky cat and his longsuffering dad. They may be the best of friends, but sometimes the little cat can’t help but get in a spot of trouble and find himself on the naughty step… Will he find the right way to say ‘Sorry Dad’?

Knightmare: Life Stinks! By Peter Bently

Stripes Publishing, £5.99 | 5-8 Cedric Thatchbottom serves Sir Percy the Proud – a knight famed throughout the land for his glorious deeds. But life at Castle Bombast isn’t quite what Cedric was expecting – in fact, it’s a total KNIGHTMARE! Roland the Rotten has challenged Percy the Proud to a joust. But the knight refuses to take part because he’s lost his lucky underpants. It turns out that Percy is lying to avoid the fight. With his master’s reputation at stake, Cedric finds himself stepping up to the challenge … what could go wrong?

The Case of the Secret Tunnel by Holly Webb

Stripes Publishing, £5.99 | 7-9 Maisie is intrigued by a new lodger at the boarding house, Mr Fred Grange, who isn’t quite what he seems. Mr Grange claims to work as a clerk for a biscuit company, but he’s out and about on the London streets at odd hours, and seems to know nothing at all about biscuits!

Determined to unmask him as a thief, she soon discovers that the truth is far more dangerous…

Swarm: Operation Sting by Simon Cheshire Stripes Publishing, £5.99 | 9-11

The team are set a new mission under the leadership of Queen Bee. When a prototype for a newly developed weapon is stolen, it’s a race against time for SWARM to locate and reclaim the weapon before the thieves crack the encryption code protecting it and steal the technology. Can they stop the villains before it’s too late?

Me and Daddy

Little Tiger Press, £9.99 | 3-6 A carry case with four mini-paperbacks, a card and stickers Use the fun stickers to decorate a special card for Dad! Then snuggle up for story time with these four fantastic books, which come in a beautifully designed carry case. The four paperbacks included in the case are: Before We Go To Bed, My Daddy and Me, Oops-aDaisy! and The Very Happy Hippo.

Marooned in Mahattan By Sheila Agnew

O’Brien Press £6.99 | 9+ When her mother dies, 12 year-old Evie is shocked to discover that she has to go and live with her Uncle Scott in New York City. She wants to stay in her home city of Dublin with Janet, her godmother. Scott and Evie enter a reluctant compromise: Evie will spend the summer in New York and can return to live in Ireland in September if she chooses.

We want to hear about your favourite books! Write to us at Primary Times, Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New Street, Birmingham, B2 4EU or email us at primarytimes@publishingink.co.uk and tell us about your favourite books and why you love them. You might even see your name here in the next issue!

www.primarytimes.net

WHITSUN 2014 ISSUE

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ENTERTAINMENT

Maleficent

From 30 May Running time: 98 mins, Certificate: PG Maleficent, a beautiful pure-hearted young woman lives in a peaceful forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land. Maleficent rises to become the land’s fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal, an act that turns her pure heart to stone becoming “The Mistress of All Evil.”

Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces an epic battle with the invading King’s successor and as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora, that upon her sixteenth birthday she shall prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and fall into a sleep like death.

Postman Pat: The Movie

APPS

From 23 May Running time: 87 mins, Certificate: U Postman Pat makes a bid for stardom in his upcoming feature film, auditioning for a Britain's Got Talent-like TV show called You're the One. Ronan Keating provides the singing voice of Pat, as he steps up to the judging panel, lead by 'Simon Cowbell'.

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DVD/BLU-RAY

MOVIES

Moshi Monsters The Movie

Running Time: 81 mins, Certificate: U The Moshi Monsters Katsuma, Poppet, Mr. Snoodle and friends, attempt to defend the precious Great Moshling Egg from the dastardly Dr. Strangeglove, in this colourful animated adventure, full of fun, adventure, songs and friendship.

The Harry Hill Movie Running time: 88 mins, Certificate: PG

The weird and wonderful Harry Hill brings his inimitable comedy stylings to the big screen. The film tells the story of Harry’s road trip to Blackpool accompanied by his Nan and his seriously ill hamster. Along the way he has to contend with the attentions of a lunatic vet (Simon Bird) and his own evil twin brother (Matt Lucas).

RIO 2: Official App for the Movie

App Store, £1.99 | Google Play, £1.99 You first met Blu & Jewel, the loveable blue macaws, in the first RIO movie, and now they’re back for RIO 2, along with their three kids, for a new amazing adventure! Read, play and colour with your fun feathered friends, Blu and Jewel.

Star Wars Journeys: The Phantom Menace

App Store, £4.99 Every story has a beginning. Experience the Star Wars story in an epic new way! Uncover the story of the saga while tapping to reveal hidden content. Sharpen your Jedi mastery and test your ability against the fastest and fiercest racers in four different galaxies. Participate in tournaments, time trials and daily racing events to win special rewards.

Dreamworks’ Dragons: Defenders of Berk

App Store, £1.99 | Google Play, £1.78 Join your favourite dragon trainer Hiccup, along with his fire-breathing pal Toothless, on another magical adventure in the deluxe story book Dreamworks Dragons Defenders of Berk, as seen on the Cartoon Network.

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ce Ad G ssio ults r bo eat ns £5 ok di £4 / C h / in sc g ou Fam ildr en on n lin ts a ily T £2 ic .5 e v in ail ke 0 ad ab ts £ 1 va le nc fo 2.5 0 e r

C

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A British Museum Tour

t Get se tionc a for an r of summe packed fun y il fam roman t art herber at the eum y & mus Galler t n and lu ort! f n a m ro

16 May – 31 August 2014 www.theherbert.org

The exhibition has been developed in partnership between Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives and the British Museum.

Supported through the generosity of the Dorset Foundation

Click here to add photo or Drag photo he re

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NEVER MISS AN ISSUE OF

PRIMARY TIMES for parents, teachers and children

BACK TO SCHOOL ISSUE 2013

In The Midlands & Black Country

Primary Times West Midlands and the Black Country Primary Times Limited Lifestyle

23rd Oct – 3rd Nov 2013

© Disney

0844 338 8000

for parents, teachers and children

In the Midlands and Black Country

.raxiP/yensiD © sretcarahc raxiP/yensiD .yensiD © krowtra dna sretcarahc yensiD

4102 hcraM ht61 – ht31

0008 833 4480

Disney characters and artwork © Disney. Disney/Pixar characters © Disney/Pixar.

FEBRUARY HALF TERM 2014 ISSUE

13th – 16th March 2014

0844 338 8000

AVAILABLE IN THE APP STORE SCA3289 Fort Parties Poster.indd 1

30/04/2014 09:21

Competitions

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO THE ‘ROMAN EMPIRE: POWER & PEOPLE’ EXHIBITION AT THE HERBERT. We’re offering four lucky families the chance to win a family ticket (up to five people, including up to two adults) for the ‘Roman Empire: Power & People’ exhibition at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in Coventry. To enter simply answer the following question Q: What country do Romans come from? a) France, b) Italy, c) England Competition ends Fri 4 July 2014.

WIN A COPY OF SWARM: OPERATION STING To win a copy of Swarm: Operation Sting, by Simon Cheshire, tell us…

Q: Which flying insect is known to sting? a) Bee b) Butterfly c) Ladybird Competition ends Fri 4 July 2014.

WIN A ‘ROALD DAHL’ JIGSAW PUZZLE Gibsons Jigsaws and Games invite you to relive some of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s books with their 100 piece puzzles, and we have two to give away.

To enter, simply answer: Which of the following titles is a Roald Dahl classic? a) Charlie and the Chocolate Factory b) Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone c) The Gruffalo Competition ends Fri 4 July 2014.

WIN A COPY OF MAROONED IN MANHATTAN We are giving away a copy of Marooned in Manhattan, by Evie Brooks. To enter, simply tell us what ‘New York City’ is commonly known as: a) Big Banana b) Big Apple c) Big Orange Competition ends Fri 4 July 2014.

WIN A NEW CRAFT PACK FROM GALT TOYS Galt Toys has introduced seven new crafty kits to its range of Activity Packs. We have 10 of these brand new packs; including jewellery making, face paints and design kits, to give away. To enter, simply answer the question below.

Q: How many new Activity Packs have been added to the Galt Toys range? a) 7, b) 3, c) 70 Competition ends Fri 4 July 2014.

...and the easter winners were Springtime Stories - N Lewis Ratburger - Maham Ahmed and Sasha Walker Thomas & Friends - Sally Smith, Neelam Kumari and Suzi Hulbert Galt Marble Racer - Zoe Adey and Keith Phillips

To enter all our competitions, go to www.primarytimes.net/midlands/competitions/ or send your answer on a postcard with the name of the competition you wish to enter, your name, address and telephone number to Primary Times, Publishing Ink, Fifth Floor, White House, 111 New Street, Birmingham, B2 4EU or via our Twitter and Facebook pages (see page 3) by the closing date stated. Good luck!

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A FANTASTIC DAY OUT AT

ST. NICHOLAS PARK

FREE D ENTRY AN G PADDLIN POOL!

Great range of rides and games including tea cups, shipwreck slide. Balloon madness and lots more.

The Funland Express is an ideal ride for younger children. Older kids will love the Orbital Cars and the Hillbillies shooter game is guaranteed to have mums and dads as addicted as the kids!

As well as rides there are water canons and other coin operated games and the Candy Cabin serving fresh candy floss, sweets and ice-cream..

TOKEN PRICES

80p EACH 11 TOKENS £8 23 TOKENS £16 48 TOKENS £32

ANY TRIP TO ST NICHOLAS PARK HAS TO INCLUDE THE FABULOUS FUN PARK EXPERIENCE

With kids play areas, Golden Putter mini golf, sport, swimming and boat rides St. Nicolas park really has something for everyone.

FOR OPENING TIMES CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE www.stnicholaspark.co.uk

St Nicholas Park, Banbury Rd, Warwick CV34 4QY